The Tale of Genji from Princesses to PopMain MenuThe Tale of Genji from Princesses to PopCuratorsExhibition ChecklistExhibition MaterialsThe Genji NarrativeNatalie Shilstut325fde59a599e4cd80c804a3a20deb4fe510c3eaTessa Haasusers/Scalar3d81e0e7b05019314ae3c7fd2f02dd56b71491f2Carrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341eaAlice McGrathb7aea6f9eb931a0b52c3f000b791e5f42278a98f
Seasons
12020-03-03T19:23:12+00:00Carrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341ea11structured_gallery2020-03-03T19:23:12+00:00Carrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341eaIn The Tale of Genji references to the four seasons, like color and flowers, are not only deployed for their poetic allusions but to symbolize key characters. At the height of his court career Genji builds himself a beautiful home, the four-season Rokujō-in, that reflects his refined taste and sensitivity to the natural world. In this mansion, Genji designs a seasonal garden for the pavilion to represent each of the women he loves. Empress Akikonomu has an autumn garden with optimal views of the fall moon. Lady Akashi has a winter garden filled with evergreen pines, chrysanthemums, and frost-hued oaks. Lady Murasaki has a garden filled with plum trees and spring blooms, and the Lady of the Orange Blossoms has a garden filled with lush greens such as bamboo that provide shade in the heat of summer. Each of these gardens reflects aspects of the Lady’s character. Additionally, the various plants in these gardens are deployed as symbols for the Lady herself and as metaphors for the nature of their relationships to Genji.
The dominant seasons of the Tale are spring and autumn, seasons known for their intense and fleeting beauty.
12020-03-03T19:23:07+00:00Carrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341eaCleaning After the Storm1plain2020-03-03T19:23:07+00:00Utagawa Kunisada II (1823–1880)Mid–19th centuryS.84.a-c.FAGift of Margery Hoffman Smith (Class of 1911)Color woodblock printCarrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341ea
12020-03-03T19:23:08+00:00Carrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341eaAkasaka Park Autumnal Scene1plain2020-03-03T19:23:08+00:00Kawai Gyokudo (1873–1957)2005.6.56.a-dGift of Elizabeth Gray Vining (Class of 1923)Hanging scroll, facsimile of painting20111014085105Carrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341ea
12020-03-03T19:23:09+00:00Carrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341eaJapanese fan1plain2020-03-03T19:23:09+00:00HPH.1972.532Bequest of Hobson PittmanCarrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341ea
12020-03-03T19:23:09+00:00Carrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341eaPrince Genji Listening to Insects1plain2020-03-03T19:23:09+00:00Utagawa Kunisada (aka Toyokuni III) (1786–1864)1864S.69.aGift of Margery Hoffman Smith (Class of 1911)Color woodblock printCarrie Robbins615680eb6c62151dd186dbf3ed63a15b0ea341ea